Pope calls for end of violence in Libya

Benedict XVI makes plea for peace as fighting continues

The Washington Post reported yesterday that Pope Benedict XVI is urging diplomats to begin talks to suspend the use of arms by all sides in Libya.

This message came in light of the continued struggle in Libya between Moammar Gadhafi’s military and rebel forces, as well as the continued United Nations-sanctioned international air-strikes.

Rebels are currently fighting their way towards Gadhafi's hometown of Sirte, on the Mediterranean coast.

Pope Benedict said that the “ever more dramatic news coming out of Libya” was increasing his “trepidation for the safety and security of the civilian population as well as (his) apprehension for how the situation, marked by the use of arms, is developing.”